US Drugmaker Allergan to Close France R&D Unit

US-based specialty pharmaceuticals company Allergan is to close its R&D centre at the French science complex at Sophia-Antipolis. The unit was only opened in early 2002, and will leave Allergan's French subsidiary as the company's only presence at the already somewhat troubled flagship technology site. Allergan claims the decision was prompted by its desire to focus on existing key R&D centres. Drug formulation and biostatistical research will now be concentrated in the US, while clinical and regulatory activities relating to the European market will switch to Ireland and a facility in High Wycombe, UK.